Watching Over You - Chapter 20 (final chapter)
Title: Watching Over You - Chapter 20
Author: Bluespire
Pairing: Ville/Bam, Ville/Migé
Summary: Ville is a Viking warrior, eldest son of Kari, a Viking Jarl. Bam is a slave (called a thrall). What happens when Ville pays Bam's slave price and moves him from the kitchens into his bed?
Rating: NC-17 for the series
Disclaimer: While Ville, Bam, Migé, Kari, Dunn, Burton, Missy and some of the others mentioned within this story are real people, the events that take place in this work of fiction are not real. No harm or offense is meant by the characters and events depicted within.
Author's Notes: Finally finished! Thanks so much to everyone who stuck with this story and kept on reading updates, as sparse as they were (and an extra big thanks to those who took the time to comment... they really kept me going). I'm not sure how I feel about this one but I'm happy to finally bring it to its conclusion. Hope it's not too much of a schmoop-fest for y'all. It started with a drabble in which I was seeking to write an edgy Ville. It ended so far into Disneyland (as far as Ville is concerned) that I don't know what to make of myself.
Love
There was rocking. Bam couldn’t imagine what might be causing the kitchen floor in front of the hearth where he made his bed to rock in such a way, but as he drifted in a half sleep, he found that he didn’t care.
When he awoke, Bam became aware of a warm hard body pressed against his side. The memory of the attack came to him suddenly and he felt himself suck a deep breath through cracked lips, his body tensing as a guttural cry was wrenched from deep in his chest, “Ville!” The body shifted, holding him down. He began to thrash as a hand covered his mouth, another reaching to secure one of his arms.
“No!” he tried to yell, eyes squeezed shut. It came out a muffled sound of anguish.
“Quiet now, Bam, you will wake the others.”
It was Ville’s voice. Bam froze and stilled a moment, then forced his body to relax.
“Do you know me?” Ville asked.
Bam nodded even before opening his eyes. At first all he could see was darkness but after a moment, he could make out stars overhead, then Ville’s green eyes coming into view. Bam felt the hand slip from his mouth and the tightness around his wrist ease.
“It is night. We are on the boat.”
The dream of rocking drifted through Bam’s muddled brain.
“The bones in your arm are broken,” Ville whispered, moving a hand to stroke gently over Bam’s cheek. “You were attacked. He hit you in the head and face several times. There is bruising and swelling. It is likely the cause for your sleepiness and confusion. But you are safe now.”
Bam nodded again, not trusting his voice.
“Sleep now, little one,” Ville crooned, wrapping an arm securely about Bam’s waist. Bam could feel the gentle stroke of Ville's thumb over the skin covering his ribs as his master settled at his side.
***
Bam could feel the sun in his eyes, shining even through his closed lids. Wincing when he tried to raise his right arm, he shifted and shielded the glare with his left instead. The right side of his upper body throbbed with a deep ache but Bam chose to ignore it for the moment. Bam was slumped at the feet of his master in the small space that would normally serve as legroom. Ville was in front of him, rowing in time with the other men.
“You return to the living,” Ville murmured, smiling down at the thrall. Bam just stared, drinking in the sight of that smile. It had been too long since he’d seen it.
“I was attacked,” Bam whispered roughly, his voice rusty with disuse.
“Indeed you were.” Ville’s voice carried a grimness to it that saddened the thrall.
“I did not even hear them and suddenly I was pulled backward from where I stood on the beach by the boat… that man… he, he tried to…”
“Shhhhh Bam. This is a discussion for another time,” Ville reassured him with words, his arms and body never breaking their rhythm.
“He did not though, Vil, um… Master.” Bam looked up from where his left hand shadowed his face and tried to meet his master’s eyes. “He did not… have me.” Bam continued his scrutiny and fancied that he could see relief in his master’s face before he settled back in exhaustion and slipped again into sleep.
***
The third time Bam awoke, his head felt more clear. It was evening and the men were preparing for the night. Ville turned to look at him as he shifted in his place, then leaned across and handed Bam the bowl from which Ville was eating.
Bam’s eyes widened when he realized that Ville intended him to eat. “Is it your dinner you offer me?” Bam asked in a hushed voice, refusing to reach for the food.
“Take it,” Ville responded, avoiding Bam’s gaze.
Bam hesitated, then reached for the bowl with his left hand, remembering that he could not easily move his right. Uncertain what to do next, Bam glanced quickly at Ville only to find him watching the thrall with concern.
“My apologies,” Ville murmured after a brief hesitation, meeting Bam’s eyes before moving to rest next to the thrall and gently taking the bowl from Bam’s unresisting fingers. “I am unused to caring for others. You anticipate my needs more rapidly than even I can. I have no practice with such skill. You will need patience I’m afraid.”
Ville’s words made no sense to Bam. Only when Ville carefully spooned a bite of the fish stew and held it to Bam’s lips did he come to understand his master’s intent. Bam’s face reddened and he turned away quickly, chin tucked submissively against his chest, eyes flicking to the men around him to try to see who might be observing.
Ville sighed impatiently and, placing the spoon back in the bowl, reached for Bam’s chin. “Do not fear, little one. You must eat if you hope to heal. It has been several days and you’ve had naught but water. You cannot feed yourself so I must help.”
Bam defiantly kept his head turned away, resisting the gentle urging of Ville’s hand on his chin. “It is wrong of me to allow you to serve me,” Bam whispered. “And it is wrong of me to eat when I am unable to work.”
“And so you seek to disobey my commands? Am I not your master?” Ville asked, his voice quiet but stern. “Turn your head and look at me. I would not force you,”
Bam reluctantly obeyed, letting his gaze find his master’s face, his breath catching as he felt tears burn his eyes.
“Why was I not left behind?” Bam's voice came out a quiet sob despite his best efforts to keep it steady.
“You are precious to me. I would not leave you,” Ville murmured, gazing into the thrall’s blue eyes and stroking his chin gently with the pad of his thumb. “No more questions. We shall speak more when he can afford some privacy. Eat now.” Ville again offered the spoon and Bam obediently opened his mouth. At the first taste, he realized how intense was his hunger and he took each bite eagerly until the bowl was empty, finished too soon. Only as he was settled in Ville’s blankets against his master’s side did he remember both that it was Ville’s dinner that he ate and that he hadn’t asked after Dunn. He would have felt shame but Ville’s arms were so warm and he was so tired that sleep claimed him before his guilt could.
***
Bam awoke in the morning with the rest of the crew but was not able to help in preparation for the day. As the night before, Ville took a small amount of his meal and gave the rest to Bam. Bam took heed of the warning in his master’s eyes and kept his objections to himself. A surreptitious glance around him, was met with more than one angry stare, the most glaring from Migé. In the light of day, there was scrutiny of their actions. Bam knew that Ville could not risk the challenge to his status that feeding Bam would create. Nevertheless, Ville helped Bam wedge the bowl between his knees so that the thrall could use the spoon with his left hand. In this way, he was able to feed himself well enough.
They arrived home midday, much to Bam’s surprise.
“You slept much of the journey little one. It goes more quickly that way,” Ville commented, a smile in his voice.
Bam’s face blushed in shame but it didn’t stop him from turning his eyes to familiar shores, relief filling him at the sight of them.
On the beach, Ville directed the men in unloading the ships. There were some new slaves that were shackled and led away until their usefulness and obedience could be evaluated. Many of Kari’s thralls came to assist in the unloading and Ville released the warriors to the evening’s revelries.
Ville asked Dunn to care for Bam, instructing him to help the thrall to Ville’s own room and settle him on the pallet there to await Ville’s return. Ville watched as they made their way up the beach before turning to direct those left behind to help.
***
“Were you attacked as well?” Bam asked when the two thralls were out of earshot of the others.
“I was,” Dunn answered shortly.
“Did they…” Bam found that he couldn’t continue but Dunn knew of what he asked.
“They left me lay on the beach. I suffered a head wound but was otherwise undisturbed.”
Bam breathed a sigh of relief.
“It seems your master has claimed you again,” Dunn commented.
“It seems so,” Bam answered quietly.
“I think he must care for you a great deal. He was challenged by Migé but stood in your defense. I fear he has made an enemy out of the man for it.”
As if summoned by their words, Migé stepped before them on the path.
“That'll be all, Dunn. Let go of the kitchen thrall and return to your hut,” Migé's quiet voice left no room to question his intentions.
Dunn hesitated and Bam held his breath, praying that his friend would do nothing to stand up for him, knowing the retribution that such an act would invite. Bam breathed out slowly when he felt Dunn step from his side. "Go!” Migé growled at the blacksmith.
Dunn jerked, startled by the command, then turned and scampered up the path toward the village.
Bam felt his body quake in fear but held his place, eyes turned to the ground. “My m-master bid me w-w-wait for him in his room,” Bam stuttered.
“Did he now?” Migé asked in a mocking voice, moving slowly in a circle around the thrall. “I bet he can’t wait to bury his staff in you, pretty little thing, all those nights pressed up against you on the boat, not able to have his way.” Migé’s body moved closer and Bam could not control his shaking as Migé reached out and ran his thumb roughly across Bam’s lips.
“I thought he was done with you… used you up. Imagine my surprise when he brought you back with us,” Migé reached out and tightly grasped Bam’s broken arm, squeezing with the strength of his sword hand.
Bam could not hold in the sharp whine that escaped from his throat and his vision wavered before him at the pain emanating from Migé's grip.
“...damaged as you are," Migé continued. "It’s become clear to me that he is dependent on you. It is shameful, but no more. I shall free him. He is my friend after all.” Migé stopped to consider Bam. There was still a weak whine coming from his throat that Bam could not keep in and tears were streaming down his cheeks. Migé released Bam’s arm at once and struck him across the face sharply. Bam's vision went black and he fell to the dirt but Migé gripped his tunic and pulled him to his feet, shaking him roughly before releasing him to stand unsteadily. “Stay up until I tell you you can lie down!” Migé snarled.
Bam nodded weakly. It took all his concentration to keep his legs from crumpling. In the back of his mind, Bam was grateful for the distraction the task provided.
“There was a time when I thought I could love him, when I thought I did love him,” Migé spoke, his voice quieter as he continued to circle the thrall. “Are you surprised? It’s not so uncommon among powerful men such as Ville and myself. But he took that from me! He cannot control his urges, he could not back then and he cannot now. He threw away what we had like it was nothing.” Migé was increasing in volume but Bam barely heard him, concentrating, as he was, to merely remain on his feet.
“You weaken him. But I shall protect him still.” Migé stood before Bam and drew his sword. “You must be dealt with.”
Migé drew his sword and Bam did nothing to defend himself, merely swaying on his feet, waiting for the killing blow he knew would come.
What happened next was beyond Bam’s hazy comprehension. There was a shout. Migé turned and his eyes widened for a second before he turned back to Bam and swung. Another sword appeared before Bam to block the blow. Migé bellowed in rage lunged to his side at someone outside of Bam’s narrowed vision.
Bam fell to the ground, no longer able to obey Migé’s command and all was dark.
***
Bam awoke and tensed, then was immediately flooded with relief at the sight of his master’s face above his. His arm had been bandaged tightly with a wooden splint holding it immobile and he lifted it slightly, testing it and finding only a dull pain at the movement.
“Bam, you wake,” Ville spoke, running a cool clothe over the thrall’s forehead. “Are you okay? How is your head?”
"It feels stuffed with cotton wool," Bam admitted, pushing the words past his scratchy throat.
“You were struck again. The only benefit was that you were not awake for the setting of your arm. I’m told it is extremely painful. Migé broke it again but it would had to have been done anyway to make the bones sit straight.”
“Migé,” Bam prompted but stopped there.
“He is gone,” Vile assured Bam gently. “Do not fear.”
“Did you save me?” Bam asked.
Ville’s face fell as he shook his head sadly. “I was busy with the boats. I am to understand that Dunn ran to fetch Burton. It was he who came to your defense.”
Bam nodded, his open gaze registering his master’s sadness. “You are sorry to see Migé leave?” Bam questioned hesitantly.
“What?” Ville asked, eyebrows drawn in consternation as he attempted to understand Bam’s question.
“You seem sad. You must feel sorrow at saying goodbye to your friend.”
Ville’s face cleared. “You think charitable thoughts even about someone who would have you dead. You are too good,” Ville spoke with wonder, placing the cloth on the pallet and returning his hand to Bam’s cheek. “No, my sorrow was that I was not there to protect you. Again, Bam. I was not there to protect you again.”
“But you sent Ryan in your stead and he did well enough,” Bam pointed out.
“That he did. Both Dunn and Burton are in my debt. It is one I shall not forget.” Ville’s gaze became intense again. “Bam, I wish for you to never be in harm’s way again, but if you are, I vow to protect you better than I have these past few days.” Ville stroked along Bam’s cheekbone as if to emphasize his words.
“I trust you,” Bam responded without hesitation.
“Bam,” Ville continued, “You must know what you are to me, how much you are worth to me.”
“I am not worth so much,” Bam muttered.
“Believe me when I tell you that you are worth more to me than any treasure.” Ville gazed down at the thrall before muttering his next words. “Migé wanted me to leave you behind.”
“Why didn’t you?” Bam asked, honestly questioning. “Why did you incur his wrath?”
“Believe me that had I known he would try to take it out on you, I might have handled things more carefully. It seems I have something to learn about politics. But I stand by my decision in this case. The biggest mistake I made was to let you from my sight. Never again. Were I to lose you, Bam, I would lose my heart with you.”
Bam merely looked up at his master, unable to fathom the expression of devotion shaping his features.
“I love you, Bam. Do you know this? I could not live without you.”
Bam felt tears prick his eyes. He’d dreamed of such a declaration from his master but never thought it would come to fruition. There was no precedent for a master falling in love with his thrall that he had ever heard tell. He knew that many slaves were used as bed slaves by their masters and that some were treated with a special form of kindness and privilege but he’d never heard of any being given their master’s love, especially in such a frank manner. He did not know how to respond except with what was in his heart.
“I have loved you as more than my master for a long time now,” Bam answered in a small voice “Even when you sent me away from you, it did nothing to snuff the flame of my love.”
“I am sorry for putting you away from me, Bam,” Ville spoke, his voice choked with emotion. “I did it thinking that you could make a life for yourself. I sought to provide you with a skill. My plan was to set you free so you could marry and raise a family. I loved you too much to take that from you. It should be every man’s right, even a thrall’s. But I am weak and I must have you at my side after all.”
Bam felt the tears fall onto his cheeks as he took in his master’s explanation. Ville did not reject him. He sent him to Dunn to help him. It was selfless and borne of love and so opposite of what Bam thought his master’s intentions had been that he first id not register Ville's admission of weakness. When he did he rushed to correct him.
“You act on your beliefs beyond what others tell you is right. That takes a strong man, master. Wanting to be with those who love you… who you… love…,” Bam still had trouble believing his master’s admission. “… that does not weaken you. I think quite the opposite.”
Ville smiled. “Well, I’m sorry to see that it is blows to the head that are needed to get you to speak your mind. I don’t think I can replicate the treatment but I do appreciate the cure.”
“Thralls are not taught to speak their mind, we are usually punished for it,” Bam pointed out. “But we have opinions nonetheless. And we observe.” Bam smiled.
“Well, we shall have plenty of time during which I expect you to share your observations. I suspect I have much to learn, but for now, I want nothing more than to hold you in my arms and to sleep.”
***
Bam’s life changed significantly in the weeks, months, and years that followed.
Migé could not be punished for his treatment of Bam and in fact received the reverse. Had he killed Bam, he would have owed Ville only Bam’s value and nothing more and even that would have been a courtesy. Because Ville demanded that he be banished from the premises regardless, Kari released him from his service and rewarded him with farmland for his loyalty these past years. It was more than others would have been given at Migé’s age but his family had always been close to the Valo family and Ville and Migé had been very good friends at one time. Nevertheless, the message was clear that Kari would take personal insult if any Valo property were harmed by Migé in the future. Also, Migé was only to return to Valo land at the express invitation of Kari or Ville. Such a restriction would damage his reputation and while Ville had no intention of harming Migé’s future, he would not dispense with the extra precaution for Bam’s protection.
Dunn, who had been made a thrall for only five years in order to pay family debt to Kari, was freed. Ville felt that this was fair. Had he raised arms to protect the Valo family against an attacker, his freedom would have been the customary reward. This was not the case, or course, as Bam is considered property and as Dunn only ran to get Burton who actually raised arms. Nevertheless, Ville felt that the result was the same and Kari made no argument even though Ville knew his father was sorry to lose a good blacksmith in his service. Ville sent Dunn with reward money when he found out that Dunn was to be married and that he already had a child by his fiancé.
As for Ville and Bam… Bam returned to Ville’s personal service and slept once more in Ville’s room, this time making no pretense of sleeping on the floor but sharing his bed unabashedly and without apology. Ville intended to free Bam. He never wanted Bam to be in a situation where another could take his life and be faced with only a monetary fine. Ville wanted Bam to stand as an equal to those around him, for his life to be full and lived by his own leave according to his own whims. It was Bam who talked him out of it. Ville would have to marry, Bam argued, would have to settle down, run his own farm, raise a family. And where, then, would Bam be? It would be strange for a freedman to live with his former master and Bam would not accept being apart from Ville. In the end, that was the argument that convinced Ville. He was weak when it cam to Bam after all.
Bam himself was not weak, however. In fact it turned out that, given the room to be himself and grow into his own man, he was quite strong. While he never went on another raid, he continued his training and became quite a skilled warrior. He ran the farm in Ville’s absence and truth be told, he really even ran it when Ville was home. Under Bam’s careful guidance, Ville’s estate grew in wealth. They kept many thralls but both Ville and Bam were careful to monitor conditions to assure that none were ever treated with aggression or violence. Many of them were able to buy their own freedom through the years because of the opportunity Ville and Bam provided them to learn skills and earn a wage on their own time.
In order to meet his family obligations, Ville purchased and freed Missy with the agreement that she become his wife. Kari was not ecstatic about the idea but was happy that Ville would be continuing the Valo family line. In reality, he was forced to remember that he himself gave Ville very similar advice the night before that fateful raid. It appeared that his son had listened. Missy understood Bam’s relationship with Ville from the start and was willing to allow it for the chance to live her life as a free woman. Finding a husband had never been her goal in life. As it turned out, she quite enjoyed managing the household and was possibly even better at it than Anita Valo. And their larder was always full of the fruits of Missy’s hunting. Ville gave her all she wanted but it was never much beyond his respect and consideration. They had four children together but both Ville and Missy felt that the children belong to all three of them. Missy was as good at bearing and raising children as she was at everything else. Ville counted himself a lucky man indeed.
***
Twenty years later...
Ville groaned as Bam jostled him roughly, a knee on either side of the warrior’s narrow hips.
“No, I do not wish to wake. Surely you can wait until the sun is up,” Ville complained throwing an arm over his eyes.
“The sun has been up for an hour, lazy. You must get up. We have much to do today to prepare for Bjord’s wedding.”
“I think Missy can handle preparations.”
The sound of Bam’s spontaneous laugh filled Ville’s chest with joy.
“I would have you tell her then.” Bam’s smile was wide as he flopped down to lay beside his partner. “I value my hide too much. You might wait until she has put her bow away for the day…”
“You value your hide?” Ville laughed. “What of mine? Who is master here?” Ville grinned and rolled to his side, wrapping his long frame around Bam’s and inhaling deeply against the younger man’s neck.
“I tell you that you are to assuage your fragile ego,” Bam quipped.
“Mmmm, you’re so good to me. And you smell delicious,” Ville growled. “Surely Bjord’s wedding preparation can wait. At least long enough for me to take advantage of your willing nature." Ville followed his suggestion with a nip to Bam's lower lip, letting a hand wander to the front of his lover's trousers. He was rewarded with Bam's deep inhale though his nose as he opened his mouth for his lover’s kiss. Ville could feel Bam's heart speeding up in his chest.
"I think we have some time yet," Bam murmured, pushing away and beginning to wrestle his tunic from his body.
Ville smiled at Bam’s eagerness. It had been like this from the start… well, almost the start. Ville had taken some time, all those years ago, to get over his fear and to see his love of Bam for what it was… honest and true. But once he had, Bam had welcomed him with open arms and neither had looked back. Now they were preparing for the wedding of their first born, Bjord. Ville could hardly believe it. He sat thinking about it with a silly smile until he was pulled from his thoughts by his lover’s hand on his cheek.
Ville looked up with a start.
“Where is your mind?” Bam asked gently.
Ville shook his head. “I was thinking about how much I love you,” he answered ans was rewarded with a wide smile from Bam. “... and how much I want you.” Ville grinned nastily and pushed Bam back onto their bed. Now was not the time to dwell on his good luck, he had more important things to take care of, namely, the lusty desires of his lover.
Ville stood and disrobed, his eyes never leaving Bam’s. Once he was as naked as his lover he eased onto the bed and straddled Bam’s hips, leaning down and licking his way into Bam’s open mouth.
Bam reached up and stroked Ville's sides. At forty, Ville still had the body he did when he took Bam for the first time and Bam wanted him even more now than he did then.
Ville pulled away long enough to wet his fingers in his mouth, then arched back, quickly entering himself to ease the way for Bam.
Bam watched, his breath short in the face of Ville’s beauty. When he was no longer able to wait, he sat up and captured Ville’s lips again, thrusting his tongue into Ville’s mouth in an imitation of what was to come.
Ville placed his hands on Bam’s shoulders and leaned up, pressing his hole to the tip of Bam’s cock with a precision borne of hours of practice over the years. Easing down on Bam’s length Ville pulled his mouth away and threw his head back, groaning in pleasure at the feeling of his lover filling him.
"Promise me that you will never stop, Bam. Never stop loving me like this," Ville gasped.
Bam sat up again, and pulled his knees under him. Gripping Ville by the hips, he thrust up into him roughly once, then again. "You are my life, Ville. I'll love you until the day I die and beyond," Bam panted.
Ville leaned down and fastened his mouth to his lover's as Bam slowly lost control, thrusting hard and ragged into Ville's body.
They finished covered in each other's sweat, Ville's come a warm puddle between them. Neither were bothered by their state, both never happier than where they found themselves, in the arms of their love.
~fin~
***
Thanks Y'all, it's been a long road. If you feel like dropping a comment or criticism, I'd love to hear what you have to say. :)
Bluespire
Author: Bluespire
Pairing: Ville/Bam, Ville/Migé
Summary: Ville is a Viking warrior, eldest son of Kari, a Viking Jarl. Bam is a slave (called a thrall). What happens when Ville pays Bam's slave price and moves him from the kitchens into his bed?
Rating: NC-17 for the series
Disclaimer: While Ville, Bam, Migé, Kari, Dunn, Burton, Missy and some of the others mentioned within this story are real people, the events that take place in this work of fiction are not real. No harm or offense is meant by the characters and events depicted within.
Author's Notes: Finally finished! Thanks so much to everyone who stuck with this story and kept on reading updates, as sparse as they were (and an extra big thanks to those who took the time to comment... they really kept me going). I'm not sure how I feel about this one but I'm happy to finally bring it to its conclusion. Hope it's not too much of a schmoop-fest for y'all. It started with a drabble in which I was seeking to write an edgy Ville. It ended so far into Disneyland (as far as Ville is concerned) that I don't know what to make of myself.
Love
There was rocking. Bam couldn’t imagine what might be causing the kitchen floor in front of the hearth where he made his bed to rock in such a way, but as he drifted in a half sleep, he found that he didn’t care.
When he awoke, Bam became aware of a warm hard body pressed against his side. The memory of the attack came to him suddenly and he felt himself suck a deep breath through cracked lips, his body tensing as a guttural cry was wrenched from deep in his chest, “Ville!” The body shifted, holding him down. He began to thrash as a hand covered his mouth, another reaching to secure one of his arms.
“No!” he tried to yell, eyes squeezed shut. It came out a muffled sound of anguish.
“Quiet now, Bam, you will wake the others.”
It was Ville’s voice. Bam froze and stilled a moment, then forced his body to relax.
“Do you know me?” Ville asked.
Bam nodded even before opening his eyes. At first all he could see was darkness but after a moment, he could make out stars overhead, then Ville’s green eyes coming into view. Bam felt the hand slip from his mouth and the tightness around his wrist ease.
“It is night. We are on the boat.”
The dream of rocking drifted through Bam’s muddled brain.
“The bones in your arm are broken,” Ville whispered, moving a hand to stroke gently over Bam’s cheek. “You were attacked. He hit you in the head and face several times. There is bruising and swelling. It is likely the cause for your sleepiness and confusion. But you are safe now.”
Bam nodded again, not trusting his voice.
“Sleep now, little one,” Ville crooned, wrapping an arm securely about Bam’s waist. Bam could feel the gentle stroke of Ville's thumb over the skin covering his ribs as his master settled at his side.
***
Bam could feel the sun in his eyes, shining even through his closed lids. Wincing when he tried to raise his right arm, he shifted and shielded the glare with his left instead. The right side of his upper body throbbed with a deep ache but Bam chose to ignore it for the moment. Bam was slumped at the feet of his master in the small space that would normally serve as legroom. Ville was in front of him, rowing in time with the other men.
“You return to the living,” Ville murmured, smiling down at the thrall. Bam just stared, drinking in the sight of that smile. It had been too long since he’d seen it.
“I was attacked,” Bam whispered roughly, his voice rusty with disuse.
“Indeed you were.” Ville’s voice carried a grimness to it that saddened the thrall.
“I did not even hear them and suddenly I was pulled backward from where I stood on the beach by the boat… that man… he, he tried to…”
“Shhhhh Bam. This is a discussion for another time,” Ville reassured him with words, his arms and body never breaking their rhythm.
“He did not though, Vil, um… Master.” Bam looked up from where his left hand shadowed his face and tried to meet his master’s eyes. “He did not… have me.” Bam continued his scrutiny and fancied that he could see relief in his master’s face before he settled back in exhaustion and slipped again into sleep.
***
The third time Bam awoke, his head felt more clear. It was evening and the men were preparing for the night. Ville turned to look at him as he shifted in his place, then leaned across and handed Bam the bowl from which Ville was eating.
Bam’s eyes widened when he realized that Ville intended him to eat. “Is it your dinner you offer me?” Bam asked in a hushed voice, refusing to reach for the food.
“Take it,” Ville responded, avoiding Bam’s gaze.
Bam hesitated, then reached for the bowl with his left hand, remembering that he could not easily move his right. Uncertain what to do next, Bam glanced quickly at Ville only to find him watching the thrall with concern.
“My apologies,” Ville murmured after a brief hesitation, meeting Bam’s eyes before moving to rest next to the thrall and gently taking the bowl from Bam’s unresisting fingers. “I am unused to caring for others. You anticipate my needs more rapidly than even I can. I have no practice with such skill. You will need patience I’m afraid.”
Ville’s words made no sense to Bam. Only when Ville carefully spooned a bite of the fish stew and held it to Bam’s lips did he come to understand his master’s intent. Bam’s face reddened and he turned away quickly, chin tucked submissively against his chest, eyes flicking to the men around him to try to see who might be observing.
Ville sighed impatiently and, placing the spoon back in the bowl, reached for Bam’s chin. “Do not fear, little one. You must eat if you hope to heal. It has been several days and you’ve had naught but water. You cannot feed yourself so I must help.”
Bam defiantly kept his head turned away, resisting the gentle urging of Ville’s hand on his chin. “It is wrong of me to allow you to serve me,” Bam whispered. “And it is wrong of me to eat when I am unable to work.”
“And so you seek to disobey my commands? Am I not your master?” Ville asked, his voice quiet but stern. “Turn your head and look at me. I would not force you,”
Bam reluctantly obeyed, letting his gaze find his master’s face, his breath catching as he felt tears burn his eyes.
“Why was I not left behind?” Bam's voice came out a quiet sob despite his best efforts to keep it steady.
“You are precious to me. I would not leave you,” Ville murmured, gazing into the thrall’s blue eyes and stroking his chin gently with the pad of his thumb. “No more questions. We shall speak more when he can afford some privacy. Eat now.” Ville again offered the spoon and Bam obediently opened his mouth. At the first taste, he realized how intense was his hunger and he took each bite eagerly until the bowl was empty, finished too soon. Only as he was settled in Ville’s blankets against his master’s side did he remember both that it was Ville’s dinner that he ate and that he hadn’t asked after Dunn. He would have felt shame but Ville’s arms were so warm and he was so tired that sleep claimed him before his guilt could.
***
Bam awoke in the morning with the rest of the crew but was not able to help in preparation for the day. As the night before, Ville took a small amount of his meal and gave the rest to Bam. Bam took heed of the warning in his master’s eyes and kept his objections to himself. A surreptitious glance around him, was met with more than one angry stare, the most glaring from Migé. In the light of day, there was scrutiny of their actions. Bam knew that Ville could not risk the challenge to his status that feeding Bam would create. Nevertheless, Ville helped Bam wedge the bowl between his knees so that the thrall could use the spoon with his left hand. In this way, he was able to feed himself well enough.
They arrived home midday, much to Bam’s surprise.
“You slept much of the journey little one. It goes more quickly that way,” Ville commented, a smile in his voice.
Bam’s face blushed in shame but it didn’t stop him from turning his eyes to familiar shores, relief filling him at the sight of them.
On the beach, Ville directed the men in unloading the ships. There were some new slaves that were shackled and led away until their usefulness and obedience could be evaluated. Many of Kari’s thralls came to assist in the unloading and Ville released the warriors to the evening’s revelries.
Ville asked Dunn to care for Bam, instructing him to help the thrall to Ville’s own room and settle him on the pallet there to await Ville’s return. Ville watched as they made their way up the beach before turning to direct those left behind to help.
***
“Were you attacked as well?” Bam asked when the two thralls were out of earshot of the others.
“I was,” Dunn answered shortly.
“Did they…” Bam found that he couldn’t continue but Dunn knew of what he asked.
“They left me lay on the beach. I suffered a head wound but was otherwise undisturbed.”
Bam breathed a sigh of relief.
“It seems your master has claimed you again,” Dunn commented.
“It seems so,” Bam answered quietly.
“I think he must care for you a great deal. He was challenged by Migé but stood in your defense. I fear he has made an enemy out of the man for it.”
As if summoned by their words, Migé stepped before them on the path.
“That'll be all, Dunn. Let go of the kitchen thrall and return to your hut,” Migé's quiet voice left no room to question his intentions.
Dunn hesitated and Bam held his breath, praying that his friend would do nothing to stand up for him, knowing the retribution that such an act would invite. Bam breathed out slowly when he felt Dunn step from his side. "Go!” Migé growled at the blacksmith.
Dunn jerked, startled by the command, then turned and scampered up the path toward the village.
Bam felt his body quake in fear but held his place, eyes turned to the ground. “My m-master bid me w-w-wait for him in his room,” Bam stuttered.
“Did he now?” Migé asked in a mocking voice, moving slowly in a circle around the thrall. “I bet he can’t wait to bury his staff in you, pretty little thing, all those nights pressed up against you on the boat, not able to have his way.” Migé’s body moved closer and Bam could not control his shaking as Migé reached out and ran his thumb roughly across Bam’s lips.
“I thought he was done with you… used you up. Imagine my surprise when he brought you back with us,” Migé reached out and tightly grasped Bam’s broken arm, squeezing with the strength of his sword hand.
Bam could not hold in the sharp whine that escaped from his throat and his vision wavered before him at the pain emanating from Migé's grip.
“...damaged as you are," Migé continued. "It’s become clear to me that he is dependent on you. It is shameful, but no more. I shall free him. He is my friend after all.” Migé stopped to consider Bam. There was still a weak whine coming from his throat that Bam could not keep in and tears were streaming down his cheeks. Migé released Bam’s arm at once and struck him across the face sharply. Bam's vision went black and he fell to the dirt but Migé gripped his tunic and pulled him to his feet, shaking him roughly before releasing him to stand unsteadily. “Stay up until I tell you you can lie down!” Migé snarled.
Bam nodded weakly. It took all his concentration to keep his legs from crumpling. In the back of his mind, Bam was grateful for the distraction the task provided.
“There was a time when I thought I could love him, when I thought I did love him,” Migé spoke, his voice quieter as he continued to circle the thrall. “Are you surprised? It’s not so uncommon among powerful men such as Ville and myself. But he took that from me! He cannot control his urges, he could not back then and he cannot now. He threw away what we had like it was nothing.” Migé was increasing in volume but Bam barely heard him, concentrating, as he was, to merely remain on his feet.
“You weaken him. But I shall protect him still.” Migé stood before Bam and drew his sword. “You must be dealt with.”
Migé drew his sword and Bam did nothing to defend himself, merely swaying on his feet, waiting for the killing blow he knew would come.
What happened next was beyond Bam’s hazy comprehension. There was a shout. Migé turned and his eyes widened for a second before he turned back to Bam and swung. Another sword appeared before Bam to block the blow. Migé bellowed in rage lunged to his side at someone outside of Bam’s narrowed vision.
Bam fell to the ground, no longer able to obey Migé’s command and all was dark.
***
Bam awoke and tensed, then was immediately flooded with relief at the sight of his master’s face above his. His arm had been bandaged tightly with a wooden splint holding it immobile and he lifted it slightly, testing it and finding only a dull pain at the movement.
“Bam, you wake,” Ville spoke, running a cool clothe over the thrall’s forehead. “Are you okay? How is your head?”
"It feels stuffed with cotton wool," Bam admitted, pushing the words past his scratchy throat.
“You were struck again. The only benefit was that you were not awake for the setting of your arm. I’m told it is extremely painful. Migé broke it again but it would had to have been done anyway to make the bones sit straight.”
“Migé,” Bam prompted but stopped there.
“He is gone,” Vile assured Bam gently. “Do not fear.”
“Did you save me?” Bam asked.
Ville’s face fell as he shook his head sadly. “I was busy with the boats. I am to understand that Dunn ran to fetch Burton. It was he who came to your defense.”
Bam nodded, his open gaze registering his master’s sadness. “You are sorry to see Migé leave?” Bam questioned hesitantly.
“What?” Ville asked, eyebrows drawn in consternation as he attempted to understand Bam’s question.
“You seem sad. You must feel sorrow at saying goodbye to your friend.”
Ville’s face cleared. “You think charitable thoughts even about someone who would have you dead. You are too good,” Ville spoke with wonder, placing the cloth on the pallet and returning his hand to Bam’s cheek. “No, my sorrow was that I was not there to protect you. Again, Bam. I was not there to protect you again.”
“But you sent Ryan in your stead and he did well enough,” Bam pointed out.
“That he did. Both Dunn and Burton are in my debt. It is one I shall not forget.” Ville’s gaze became intense again. “Bam, I wish for you to never be in harm’s way again, but if you are, I vow to protect you better than I have these past few days.” Ville stroked along Bam’s cheekbone as if to emphasize his words.
“I trust you,” Bam responded without hesitation.
“Bam,” Ville continued, “You must know what you are to me, how much you are worth to me.”
“I am not worth so much,” Bam muttered.
“Believe me when I tell you that you are worth more to me than any treasure.” Ville gazed down at the thrall before muttering his next words. “Migé wanted me to leave you behind.”
“Why didn’t you?” Bam asked, honestly questioning. “Why did you incur his wrath?”
“Believe me that had I known he would try to take it out on you, I might have handled things more carefully. It seems I have something to learn about politics. But I stand by my decision in this case. The biggest mistake I made was to let you from my sight. Never again. Were I to lose you, Bam, I would lose my heart with you.”
Bam merely looked up at his master, unable to fathom the expression of devotion shaping his features.
“I love you, Bam. Do you know this? I could not live without you.”
Bam felt tears prick his eyes. He’d dreamed of such a declaration from his master but never thought it would come to fruition. There was no precedent for a master falling in love with his thrall that he had ever heard tell. He knew that many slaves were used as bed slaves by their masters and that some were treated with a special form of kindness and privilege but he’d never heard of any being given their master’s love, especially in such a frank manner. He did not know how to respond except with what was in his heart.
“I have loved you as more than my master for a long time now,” Bam answered in a small voice “Even when you sent me away from you, it did nothing to snuff the flame of my love.”
“I am sorry for putting you away from me, Bam,” Ville spoke, his voice choked with emotion. “I did it thinking that you could make a life for yourself. I sought to provide you with a skill. My plan was to set you free so you could marry and raise a family. I loved you too much to take that from you. It should be every man’s right, even a thrall’s. But I am weak and I must have you at my side after all.”
Bam felt the tears fall onto his cheeks as he took in his master’s explanation. Ville did not reject him. He sent him to Dunn to help him. It was selfless and borne of love and so opposite of what Bam thought his master’s intentions had been that he first id not register Ville's admission of weakness. When he did he rushed to correct him.
“You act on your beliefs beyond what others tell you is right. That takes a strong man, master. Wanting to be with those who love you… who you… love…,” Bam still had trouble believing his master’s admission. “… that does not weaken you. I think quite the opposite.”
Ville smiled. “Well, I’m sorry to see that it is blows to the head that are needed to get you to speak your mind. I don’t think I can replicate the treatment but I do appreciate the cure.”
“Thralls are not taught to speak their mind, we are usually punished for it,” Bam pointed out. “But we have opinions nonetheless. And we observe.” Bam smiled.
“Well, we shall have plenty of time during which I expect you to share your observations. I suspect I have much to learn, but for now, I want nothing more than to hold you in my arms and to sleep.”
***
Bam’s life changed significantly in the weeks, months, and years that followed.
Migé could not be punished for his treatment of Bam and in fact received the reverse. Had he killed Bam, he would have owed Ville only Bam’s value and nothing more and even that would have been a courtesy. Because Ville demanded that he be banished from the premises regardless, Kari released him from his service and rewarded him with farmland for his loyalty these past years. It was more than others would have been given at Migé’s age but his family had always been close to the Valo family and Ville and Migé had been very good friends at one time. Nevertheless, the message was clear that Kari would take personal insult if any Valo property were harmed by Migé in the future. Also, Migé was only to return to Valo land at the express invitation of Kari or Ville. Such a restriction would damage his reputation and while Ville had no intention of harming Migé’s future, he would not dispense with the extra precaution for Bam’s protection.
Dunn, who had been made a thrall for only five years in order to pay family debt to Kari, was freed. Ville felt that this was fair. Had he raised arms to protect the Valo family against an attacker, his freedom would have been the customary reward. This was not the case, or course, as Bam is considered property and as Dunn only ran to get Burton who actually raised arms. Nevertheless, Ville felt that the result was the same and Kari made no argument even though Ville knew his father was sorry to lose a good blacksmith in his service. Ville sent Dunn with reward money when he found out that Dunn was to be married and that he already had a child by his fiancé.
As for Ville and Bam… Bam returned to Ville’s personal service and slept once more in Ville’s room, this time making no pretense of sleeping on the floor but sharing his bed unabashedly and without apology. Ville intended to free Bam. He never wanted Bam to be in a situation where another could take his life and be faced with only a monetary fine. Ville wanted Bam to stand as an equal to those around him, for his life to be full and lived by his own leave according to his own whims. It was Bam who talked him out of it. Ville would have to marry, Bam argued, would have to settle down, run his own farm, raise a family. And where, then, would Bam be? It would be strange for a freedman to live with his former master and Bam would not accept being apart from Ville. In the end, that was the argument that convinced Ville. He was weak when it cam to Bam after all.
Bam himself was not weak, however. In fact it turned out that, given the room to be himself and grow into his own man, he was quite strong. While he never went on another raid, he continued his training and became quite a skilled warrior. He ran the farm in Ville’s absence and truth be told, he really even ran it when Ville was home. Under Bam’s careful guidance, Ville’s estate grew in wealth. They kept many thralls but both Ville and Bam were careful to monitor conditions to assure that none were ever treated with aggression or violence. Many of them were able to buy their own freedom through the years because of the opportunity Ville and Bam provided them to learn skills and earn a wage on their own time.
In order to meet his family obligations, Ville purchased and freed Missy with the agreement that she become his wife. Kari was not ecstatic about the idea but was happy that Ville would be continuing the Valo family line. In reality, he was forced to remember that he himself gave Ville very similar advice the night before that fateful raid. It appeared that his son had listened. Missy understood Bam’s relationship with Ville from the start and was willing to allow it for the chance to live her life as a free woman. Finding a husband had never been her goal in life. As it turned out, she quite enjoyed managing the household and was possibly even better at it than Anita Valo. And their larder was always full of the fruits of Missy’s hunting. Ville gave her all she wanted but it was never much beyond his respect and consideration. They had four children together but both Ville and Missy felt that the children belong to all three of them. Missy was as good at bearing and raising children as she was at everything else. Ville counted himself a lucky man indeed.
***
Twenty years later...
Ville groaned as Bam jostled him roughly, a knee on either side of the warrior’s narrow hips.
“No, I do not wish to wake. Surely you can wait until the sun is up,” Ville complained throwing an arm over his eyes.
“The sun has been up for an hour, lazy. You must get up. We have much to do today to prepare for Bjord’s wedding.”
“I think Missy can handle preparations.”
The sound of Bam’s spontaneous laugh filled Ville’s chest with joy.
“I would have you tell her then.” Bam’s smile was wide as he flopped down to lay beside his partner. “I value my hide too much. You might wait until she has put her bow away for the day…”
“You value your hide?” Ville laughed. “What of mine? Who is master here?” Ville grinned and rolled to his side, wrapping his long frame around Bam’s and inhaling deeply against the younger man’s neck.
“I tell you that you are to assuage your fragile ego,” Bam quipped.
“Mmmm, you’re so good to me. And you smell delicious,” Ville growled. “Surely Bjord’s wedding preparation can wait. At least long enough for me to take advantage of your willing nature." Ville followed his suggestion with a nip to Bam's lower lip, letting a hand wander to the front of his lover's trousers. He was rewarded with Bam's deep inhale though his nose as he opened his mouth for his lover’s kiss. Ville could feel Bam's heart speeding up in his chest.
"I think we have some time yet," Bam murmured, pushing away and beginning to wrestle his tunic from his body.
Ville smiled at Bam’s eagerness. It had been like this from the start… well, almost the start. Ville had taken some time, all those years ago, to get over his fear and to see his love of Bam for what it was… honest and true. But once he had, Bam had welcomed him with open arms and neither had looked back. Now they were preparing for the wedding of their first born, Bjord. Ville could hardly believe it. He sat thinking about it with a silly smile until he was pulled from his thoughts by his lover’s hand on his cheek.
Ville looked up with a start.
“Where is your mind?” Bam asked gently.
Ville shook his head. “I was thinking about how much I love you,” he answered ans was rewarded with a wide smile from Bam. “... and how much I want you.” Ville grinned nastily and pushed Bam back onto their bed. Now was not the time to dwell on his good luck, he had more important things to take care of, namely, the lusty desires of his lover.
Ville stood and disrobed, his eyes never leaving Bam’s. Once he was as naked as his lover he eased onto the bed and straddled Bam’s hips, leaning down and licking his way into Bam’s open mouth.
Bam reached up and stroked Ville's sides. At forty, Ville still had the body he did when he took Bam for the first time and Bam wanted him even more now than he did then.
Ville pulled away long enough to wet his fingers in his mouth, then arched back, quickly entering himself to ease the way for Bam.
Bam watched, his breath short in the face of Ville’s beauty. When he was no longer able to wait, he sat up and captured Ville’s lips again, thrusting his tongue into Ville’s mouth in an imitation of what was to come.
Ville placed his hands on Bam’s shoulders and leaned up, pressing his hole to the tip of Bam’s cock with a precision borne of hours of practice over the years. Easing down on Bam’s length Ville pulled his mouth away and threw his head back, groaning in pleasure at the feeling of his lover filling him.
"Promise me that you will never stop, Bam. Never stop loving me like this," Ville gasped.
Bam sat up again, and pulled his knees under him. Gripping Ville by the hips, he thrust up into him roughly once, then again. "You are my life, Ville. I'll love you until the day I die and beyond," Bam panted.
Ville leaned down and fastened his mouth to his lover's as Bam slowly lost control, thrusting hard and ragged into Ville's body.
They finished covered in each other's sweat, Ville's come a warm puddle between them. Neither were bothered by their state, both never happier than where they found themselves, in the arms of their love.
~fin~
***
Thanks Y'all, it's been a long road. If you feel like dropping a comment or criticism, I'd love to hear what you have to say. :)
Bluespire